September 15, 2024

Our Top End of Summer Cleaning Tips

As the crisp autumn air descends upon New York, ushering in pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, it’s time to turn our attention indoors. Before you peacefully curl up by the fireplace, some work needs to be done to prepare your home for the cold season. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to take the whole weekend (with our checklist, you’ll tackle your end-of-summer cleaning fast), but it will generously pay back with comfort and peace of mind when you snuggle in your well-cared-for, holiday-ready home!

Importance of cleaning at the end of summer

Summer to autumn transition requires more than just packing school bags. The first days of autumn are a perfect time to get your home ready for the cold season, both functionally and aesthetically.

It means

getting rid of all dust, sand, and allergens collected while your home was more open to nature;
maintaining and putting away summer shoes, clothes, toys, and equipment;
winterizing your property making it ready to withstand cold weather, and even
bringing in some fall decor.

Some things need your attention. If you leave them to hibernate unmaintained, you may find them in miserable condition when you need them again in spring.

The end of summer is not only about weather change. Now that the kids are back to school, your home craves more structure. These first not-too-busy autumn days are also a great opportunity to declutter and organize your home, turning it into a more productive and stress-free environment.

Maintain your grill

As the summer barbeque season winds down, it’s tempting to close the lid on your grill and put it away for the winter. But wait! A clean grill not only enhances the flavor of your food but also helps prevent fires and ensures your grill operates efficiently. So give it a thorough scrub! Pay special attention to the grates, using a grill brush or scraper to remove any leftover food particles and grease.

This not only ensures a fresh start for next year’s grilling season but also deters rodents from seeking shelter in your grill in winter.

Clean chimney & fireplace

Can’t wait to curl up by a warm, crackling fireplace? Before you cozy up, it’s essential to ensure your fireplace is safe and efficient. A dirty chimney (creosote buildup) can pose a fire hazard. If you didn’t sweep the fireplace after the last time you used it in spring, no longer postpone your chimney and fireplace cleanup to get rid of hazardous buildup.

While you can attempt a DIY clean with a chimney sweeping kit, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional for thorough inspection and cleaning of flue liners to ensure your fireplace is safe and ready for the winter season.

Take care of your outdoor furniture

Your outdoor furniture provided a comfy scenery for your summer chillout sessions, but now it deserves a little love before it hibernates for the winter. A good cleaning now will ensure it’s ready to shine when the warmer weather returns, bringing with it those delightful alfresco dining moments.

Remove cushions and wash them in a mild detergent solution. Dry completely before storing them away.
Clean furniture frames with a mild soap and water solution to wash away dirt and grime. For metal frames, use a rust remover if necessary.
Check furniture for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, chipped paint, or loose bolts. Repair any damage to ensure your furniture lasts longer.
If storing your furniture outdoors, cover it with a protective cover to shield it from rain, snow, and harsh weather.

Unclog the drains

Clogged drains can cause water to pool around your foundation, leading to basement flooding or structural damage. Plus, stagnant water can attract mosquitoes and other pests. You don’t need this headache, so this is how to clean your outdoor drains:

Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the drain opening using a rake or broom.
Flush out any remaining debris and sediment using a strong hose.
Check for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you notice any problems, contact a professional plumber.

Clean gutters

Gutter maintenance is often overlooked, but it’s a vital part of preparing your home for the winter months. Clogged gutters can lead to serious problems such as:

Roof damage caused by ice dams forming and hence water backup.
Foundation erosion caused by water buildup.
Clogged gutters becoming a breeding ground for pests and rodents.

You can avoid all of this if you maintain your gutters before the winter arrives:

Use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters.
Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, in your gutters and downspouts.
Use a garden hose to flush water through your gutters and downspouts, ensuring they are clear of any obstructions.

Have heating systems inspected

Dust and debris trapped in your HVAC system can circulate throughout your home, affecting indoor air quality. Regular cleaning helps create a healthier breathing environment, but not just this. A clean and well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. Here’s how to prepare your heating system for winter:

Replace your furnace and air conditioner filters to improve airflow and efficiency.
Remove dust and debris from vents and registers to ensure proper airflow.
If you are using hot water radiators, clean them with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris and bleed them to release the trapped air.

Clean entryways and mudrooms

Do your entryway and mudroom still harbor summer stuff? It’s time to get these home zones ready for their anti-mud autumn service:

Remove any summer items and create designated spaces for kids’ backpacks, sports gear, and other winter essentials.
Create specific areas for shoes, coats, hats, and scarves to prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need in a morning rush.
Use baskets, bins, and hooks to keep items organized.

Clean out your pantry

Having a pantry that’s a jumbled mess of boxes, bags, and forgotten ingredients is frustrating, time-consuming, and can even lead to food waste. Here’s how to give it a fresh start this autumn:

Empty and wipe. Remove all items from your pantry shelves and drawers. Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a disinfectant cleaner.
Declutter and organize. Toss expired items and donate any food you won’t use. Group similar items together for easy access.
Rotate stock. Place newer items behind older ones to ensure you use them before they expire.
Label containers. Label containers clearly to identify contents and expiration dates.

Clean windows

It’s not a great idea to tackle dirty windows when it’s freezing outside. So now is your chance to leverage the warmth of the first autumn days to give your windows a deep clean before you shut them for winter.

Clean windows allow more natural light into your home, creating a brighter and more cheerful atmosphere inside. So remove the screens, grab your favorite glass cleaner, and give your windows a good scrub. Do not forget to clean the screens as well to store them in top-notch, ready-to-use condition.

Winterize your property

As the mercury drops and the winter chill sets in, inspect your home for places where cold can creep in.

Insulation. Check your insulation levels, especially in attics and crawl spaces. If necessary, add insulation to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Weatherstripping. Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts and heat loss. Pay particular attention to the front door, as it’s a major source of heat loss.
Plumbing. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential leaks.
Outdoor preparation. Disconnect and store garden hoses, maintain lawn movers, cover outdoor furniture, and winterize your sprinkler system.

Overwhelmed? Let WGC help!

Not sure this end-of-summer home cleaning marathon is for you? Want your home winterized but without buying tons of supplies and watching hours of how-to instruction on YouTube? As a busy New Yorker, you have enough on your plate. Let us take the stress off your shoulders!

White Glove Cleaner will tackle the dirty work for you, winter-proofing your home professionally and freeing up time in your schedule to enjoy the cozy autumn days with your family. Contact White Glove Cleaner today for a free quote!

Book a Cleaning in NYC Today!